Tsunami: Know Your Risk, Know What to Do

The Japanese earthquake and Tsunami raised local awareness about the risks posed to the west coast of the United States. The risk is not just from a far-source event such as in Japan, Chile or even Alaska, but also the risk posed by a near-source event caused by a major local earthquake.

During the last week of March, Federal, State and local emergency officials will ask residents and visitors along the ocean to take a moment to learn more about their risks of a Tsunami and what actions are needed. Local emergency managers, government officials and partnering agencies are using the entire month of March to remind people of the easy actions they can take in case of a very large local earthquake that can generate a Tsunami. Such as, if the earthquake is large enough to knock you to the ground and longer than 40 seconds, get to higher ground immediately. For maps of your communities’ Tsunami inundation zones click on Tsunami Inundation Maps. As part of the reminder all partnering agencies will carry the following tag lines on their email as a collaborative effort to remind residents to be Aware & Prepared: A BIG earthquake means “Move Away” from the ocean.

Learn about your Tsunami Risk in Santa Barbara County Tsunami Inundation Maps.